Southeast Asia
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Sumatran road plan could spell a dark new chapter for storied ecosystem: study
BOGOR, Indonesia—In at least one way, it’s a place right out of a storybook. A patch of Indonesian forest is…
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For indigenous voices in land use, a seat at the table isn’t necessarily enough
BOGOR, Indonesia—Formalizing indigenous people’s participation in protected area management is not enough to ensure they can actually defend their interests…
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Along the Mekong, conservation-payment schemes are a study in contrasts
HANOI, Vietnam—One river, many ways to protect its forests—but are those ways effective? A recent workshop on incentive-based conservation in…
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As tides rise higher, can mangroves hold on? Researchers dig in to find out
BOGOR, Indonesia—Where tropical forests meet the sea, you’ll often find mangroves, which harbor unique wildlife and store large amounts of…
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Indonesia’s merger of environment and forest ministries a bold, difficult move
The new President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, surprised some observers recently when he announced his Cabinet, combining the ministries of…
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Project ‘discovers’ uncharted forests—and charts new direction in land-use planning
BOGOR, Indonesia — Whereas magicians use mirrors to make huge objects seemingly disappear, researchers in Indonesia are developing maps to…
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Forest transition spurs policy shifts in Vietnam
Vietnam has witnessed a forest transition on a massive scale. Between 1943 and 1990, the country lost 5 million hectares…
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Finding a level playing field for mangroves
BOGOR, Indonesia – To prepare for a rise in sea level, you should surely first know where sea level is.…
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Haze returns to Singapore – and we can expect more of it, new study warns
The haze is back. This week, windblown smoke from land fires in Sumatra, western Indonesia, has again clouded the skies…
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Unsustainable conversion of forests to private wealth must cease, economist says
JAKARTA, Indonesia — Shifting to a green economy will require ceasing the unsustainable conversion of public wealth to private wealth…
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Oil palm, timber sectors must solve communication, tenure issues: panelists
JAKARTA, Indonesia — Timber and oil palm: two of Southeast Asia’s most important exports, crucial to local livelihoods and national…
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Experts: Stable governance, trade frameworks needed to tip Asia toward green economy
JAKARTA, Indonesia — Despite preventive measures, complex laws and policies governing forest resources in Asia are often undermined by corrupt…
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At summit, experts urge expanding equity as pillar of green economy
For Southeast Asia to have a “green economy,” it must be founded on equity, experts said at a recent conference…
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One goal, but many paths to financing a ‘green economy,’ panelists say
JAKARTA, Indonesia — The necessary public and private investment to finance a “green economy” in Southeast Asia has so far…
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Hopes rise for Myanmar to chart a greener path
Civil society groups focused on land use in Myanmar are taking hope from a recent speech from the country’s top…
4 min read